Ranking the Laika Films

The masters of Stop-Motion

Hi guys! For all intents and purposes, my name is Alex and but you can call me Volgan which is my username on the website Rate Your Music which this list originated from. It's a great community with lots of neat things to explore. But anyway on to the list...

Outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there isn't a movie industry that constantly gets me giddy with excitement each and every time I watch one of their films for the first time. The amount of attention to detail that Laika incorporates into their films is second to none. And what's even more impressive is the use of easter eggs that helps complete the story when it at times can prove to be vague.

But don't just take my word for it... see for yourself!

In this list, I am not only going to rank each film in accordance to which one is my favorite, but I am also going to suggest what I believe to be the main lesson is of each film and what makes each film stand out from each other as well as include links to the videos that show the insane amounts of detail involved in the making of each and every film.

And without further ado...

1. Coraline (2D Version)

Be careful what you wish for. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Appreciate your life for what it is.

Stands out because: it's the first of Laika's films that I've seen creating the huge obsession I have with stop-motion and the appreciation of the art. Also, I love Neil Gaiman and his novel and have read many of his books now because of this movie. And lastly, I think Coraline as a character is adorable and love how cute that she looks and think that Dakota Fanning's voice makes her even more adorable!

Rating: 10/10 The most-detailed movie that I have ever seen. So many theories are made off of this due to the insane amounts of easter eggs and the ambiguity that the film has. A spooky adventure that is visually... AMAZING reminding us to be thankful for what we have.

2. Kubo and the Two Strings

Memories are the most powerful kind of magic. Cherish your time on the imperfect world that we live in. And make as many moments as you can worth remembering.

Stands out because: it's one of the most visually stunning films that I've ever seen since 2001: A Space Odyssey. (That is if you appreciate the small unnoticable details in films such as me) Oh and it's a samurai stop-motion film.

Rating: 10/10 A fun detailed look into Japanese culture full of action, laughs, and plenty of suspense.

3. The Boxtrolls

Just because something is different, it doesn't mean that it should be an outcast. While fear can be a good thing, it can also lead to a lot of irrational decisions. Braving your fears can lead to all sorts of excitement in one's life and often times, the rewards are worth the risks.

Stands out because: it is the funniest out of all of the films and the entire concept behind the story is adorable.

Rating: 8/10 Absolutely hilarious movie with a super cute beginning of the film. The movie knows it's silly and reminds of the fact due to the bad guy's ridiculous agenda.

4. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (Widescreen Edition)

Love is a curious thing. It rarely ever goes according to plan and for it to be real, it shouldn't. It should be spontaneous, natural, and tender. Love should never be over material things, And it shouldn't be something that is forced upon somebody either. Love should be what both partners in the couple wants it to be.

Stands out because: it's the only musical on this list and also this technically isn't one of Laika's movies. (They collaborated on this)

Rating: 8/10 The emo crowd will enjoy this type of movie more. But then again, this is coming from somebody that isn't emo. So if you like musicals, and you like stop-motion, you'll enjoy this movie a lot!

5. ParaNorman

Accept yourself for who you are. Nobody is normal. And you don't want to be normal. Everybody is made differently for a reason. No matter how much of an outcast that you are, you'll find a purpose in this world.

And the second meaning is that it is human nature for people to be scared of what they don't understand. And when people are scared, they well... they say and do terrible things. Being scared isn't a problem. It's how you react to being scared. Are you going to join the mob and make irrational decisions or are you going to take the time to ensure that the best and most sane course of action is taken?

Stands out because: of how emotional the ending is. It is truly amazing from an aesthetic standpoint because the music is beautiful (sadly not included on the soundtrack) and the visuals are stunning. And to top it off with how horrific Aggie's story of her horrific experience through the Salem Witch Trials which is arguably one of the darkest chapters in human history, this is one of the best endings to a children's film that I have ever seen! And just a great ending in general!

Rating: 7/10 *Wasn't as funny on a second viewing as I remembered it to be, but still a fun movie that offers us an interesting twist in the zombie genre.